The desire to own and drive your own car used to be a life-defining characteristic for young Brits – but its importance is fading. And it’s the same case in other countries too, from the US and Germany to Japan and Australia. But why? And how is the car industry responding?

54% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Demographic shifts such as ageing communities have changed what people want and need from their city. Can brands help young and old people alike navigate more efficiently and connect with their surroundings?

Navigating a big city is difficult, but trying to use its public transport shouldn’t be. At a time when our thoughts are increasingly distracted, new research suggests that getting around the transport systems of big cities like New York, London or Tokyo is proving too much for our brains.

Volkswagen and Zipcar have teamed up to offer 50 plug-in hybrid ‘Zipwagens’ across London. With the cost of owning an electric vehicle still putting some drivers off, can this car-sharing scheme make emission-free driving in the capital more accessible, convenient, and affordable?